Renaissance fencers get their points across

TROY – Beth Vance of Clarkston remembers when she first took fencing lessons 15 years ago as a way to stay healthy and the opportunity to learn a new sport.

“The number one reason I took fencing was it was an alternative way to exercise,” Vance said at Renaissance Fencing Club in Troy. “And now the camaraderie with other fencers is the reason why I’m still in it.”

Vance, 52, finished third at the Milwaukee North America Cup in December 2012 – not too bad for the Clarkston resident who started fencing in her late 30s.

“Fifteen years ago I started working with a coach who founded Renaissance and more recently I’ve been working with Todd Dressell (University of Detroit-Mercy fencing coach) here at Renaissance,” she said. “I started sabre (fencing) three years ago and everything has just come together.”

Olivia Dobbs, formerly of Farmington now living in Detroit, is another local champion who practices at Renaissance Fencing Club, located at 408 Oliver Street in Troy.

Dobbs, 22, who is currently ranked No. 7 in the U.S. in women’s individual foil, started fencing when she was seven years old and recently placed 17th at the World University Games in Kazan, Russia.

“My dad used to fence as a kid and when I was seven he taught me about fencing out of a dance studio,” recalled Dobbs, who just graduated from Wayne State University where she was on the school’s fencing team. “Because of people like Beth Vance – a responsible adult – I like what I’m doing.”

On Thursday, Dobbs was a volunteer instructor at the Pre-Elite Fencing Camp held at Renaissance Fencing Club and already she is making a connection with future fencers.

“I do like teaching,” she confided. “It feels like I’ve been studying fencing my whole life and it’s nice to show others what I’ve learned.”

And here protégé agrees.“She knows all the best fencers,” said Celia Crompton, 12, of Franklin, who was attending the weeklong pre-elite camp. “She teaches real well. My other fencing coach is real strict, but Olivia teaches creative offense – the touch counts.”

Dobbs said she is content learning foil, while Vance said she prefers sabre.

“I really enjoy foil, but I enjoy sabre more,” said Vance, who is a sales person at SunTel phone systems in Troy. “It’s more fun. It’s quicker and just has a lot of fun with it.”

Foil is the descendent of the light court sword, and was used to train for duels. Sabre, on the other hand, is the modern version of the slashing cavalry sword.

Stanna Stoner, manager at the Renaissance Fencing Club, said the non-profit facility has open fencing for people looking to learn the ins and outs of the sport, and a bevy of current and former champions who work out at the club.

“Todd Dressell is the head (sabre) coach at the University of Mercy and Anatolie Senic is the (foil) coach at Wayne State,” Stoner said Thursday. “They are our two head coaches here – we’re non-profit. Both Olivia and Beth work out here and volunteer their time.”

For Vance, fencing is a sport where “perfection is not attainable,” and that’s OK with her.

“It’s funny when we hear people call us ‘World Champions,’” Dobbs said. “I just think it’s working hard for something I like to do.”

Stanner noted that fencing is one of only four Olympic sports that have been ongoing since the modern Olympic Games began in 1898.

But at Renaissance Fencing Club, fencers can start at the novice stage and move up to intermediate, pre-elite, adult classes; and even ‘fast track’ to fencing programs. Hours at Renaissance are 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, including 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays; and the facility is open by appointment for private lessons.

For more information, call (248) 930-0747 or visit www.renaissancefencing.com.